March, Through the Grapevine
By Leslie Watkins Once upon a time, when jealous wives blamed the “other woman” for their husband’s infidelities instead of the husband’s lack of self-control, Zeus’s wife Hera had her hands full. During one of Zeus’s many indiscretions, this time with Semele, Hera tricked the young girl into demanding that Zeus reveal his true […]
State Biologists Call on Public to Report Bobcat Sightings
By Jude Mead Have you seen a bobcat lately? Have you spotted a footprint of one in the snow? If so, then Jason Hawley, a wildlife biologist with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), would like to know. Hawley said the state is conducting a bobcat study to evaluate the habitat and […]
February, Cats in the Garden
By Leslie Watkins During the long winter evenings, sitting on the sofa with the cozy company of our favorite cats, it is pleasant to think of the variety of felines we may soon get a chance to see in the garden. It won’t be long, for instance, before we start to notice the swelling buds […]
Norfolk’s Nov. and Dec. Weather and a Yearly Summary for 2017
A Chilly End to the Tenth Warmest Year on Record By Russell Russ The surplus of rainfall in October nearly wiped out the yearly deficit that had been slowly growing all year long. The months of November and December were drier than normal, which increased the deficit to close out the year. The year […]
December, Of Chickadees and Chickarees
By Leslie Watkins Black-capped chickadees are among the first visitors to return to the bird feeder after summering in the woods. These curious little birds will alert others of your presence with the familiar “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” and will promptly answer your “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” in return. The more “dees” in the alarm, the higher the threat level. […]
Learning is On Target and Students SOAR at Botelle School
The Botelle Beat By Lauren Valentino The new year is the time when we typically make our resolutions – set goals, make plans, dream big. However, the new year for educators begins in September. That’s the time when we set goals, make plans and dream big, with our students in mind. At Botelle, we […]
Norfolk’s October 2017 Weather
Warm and Wet By Russell Russ October 2017 was the warmest October on record for all six New England states (as recorded at each state’s official recording location). For many Northeastern US cities, from Newark, New Jersey to Bangor, Maine, it was the warmest October on record and this included Hartford, Bridgeport and Albany. […]
Through the Garden Gate: November, Revelations
By Leslie Watkins After autumn’s chilly winds and drenching rains have knocked down the asters and goldenrods and the last leaves have fallen from the trees, hidden things are revealed. Stone walls, lost tools, vole holes and abandoned bird nests are evident. If you look very closely you may find a cocoon of Hyalophora […]
Norfolk’s September 2017 Weather
Summer Overtime By Russell Russ Devastatingly powerful hurricanes and the resulting catastrophic damage affected much of the Caribbean and Florida for a good part of September. The Gulf Coast had its turn in August. Out west there were devastating wildfires. The pictures and stories showed the terrible side of Mother Nature. Here in Norfolk […]
